Question

3. Explain how the government's roles in protecting civil liberties and civil rights are both similar and different. Why are both categories of rights important? (3 points)

Answer 1

Both civil liberties and civil rights are an important part of a person's political and social life. Both of them determine the way and the extent to which a person can become involved in its community and in society at large. However, the way in which the government becomes involved in each one can be very different.

In the case of liberties, we are talking about the right for a person to act in a certain way without interference from the government. This includes liberties such as freedom of speech, assembly or religion. On the other hand, rights are something that the government has to protect. Therefore, the government needs to take action in order for these rights to be enacted and respected. For example, this includes the universal right to vote or the right to an education. In both cases, the government has to facilitate the right conditions for people to exercise their rights.